Cam Roigard playing against France. Photo: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
The All Blacks have received a boost ahead of the Bledisloe Cup with star halfback Cam Roigard cleared to return from injury.
Roigard is one of 13 All Blacks available to play for their NPC teams this weekend.
The All Blacks have a week off following the 43-10 loss to South Africa in Wellington, their biggest ever defeat, before the first Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies at Eden Park on 27 September.
Roigard missed the two Rugby Championship tests against the Springboks and the preceding two games against Argentina after fracturing his foot during July's test series win over France.
He will play for Counties Manukau on Saturday, against All Blacks teammates Caleb Clarke and Rieko Ioane, who will be available for Auckland.
Rieko Ioane celebrates a try with Jordie Barrett. File photo. Photo: Masanori Udagawa
Josh Lord, who has been providing injury cover in the All Blacks squad, is available for Taranaki when they play Hawke's Bay on Friday night.
Wellington will get the services of Ruben Love, Kyle Preston and Peter Lakai for their home game against Southland in the early game at 2:35pm on Saturday.
Prop George Bower will try to help Otago take the Ranfurly Shield off Canterbury later on Saturday (from 4:35pm).
Anton Lienert-Brown, Luke Jacobson and Samipeni Finau are available for Waikato, who take on Tasman in Blenheim on Saturday night, with Leicester Fainga'anuku available for the hosts, while front rower Pasilio Tosi will line up for Bay of Plenty when they play Manawatū on Sunday.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
